High-throughput sample processing systems and methods of use

Abstract

Disclosed herein are high-throughput sample processing systems and waste management systems, and methods of using the same.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A high throughput sample processing method comprising:
 drawing a plurality of samples from a plurality of sample containers using a sample dispensing device; 
 dispensing each sample using the sample dispensing device, wherein each sample is dispensed into a well of a sample processing plate comprising a plurality of wells, wherein each sample is dispensed into a different well; 
 dispensing fluids into the plurality of wells of the sample processing plate using a contactless fluid dispensing device; 
 detecting the liquid level in each of the plurality of wells of the sample processing plate using a plurality of contactless liquid level sensors; 
 mixing a plurality of sample processing plates simultaneously using a plurality of contactless mixing devices; 
 removing fluids from the plurality of wells of the sample processing plate using a plurality of aspirators; and 
 managing fluids removed from the plurality of wells using a waste management system; 
 wherein the steps of the high throughput sample processing method are scheduled and coordinated by a control system. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , comprising dynamically controlling the processing of a plate depending upon the location or status of other plates using the control system. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising automatically loading additional plates into the sample dispensing device using a plate loading device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of samples comprise blood, plasma or saliva. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises extraction of DNA from the plurality of samples using magnetic beads disposed within the plurality of wells of the sample processing plate. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the samples are dispensed using a plurality of syringe based pipettes. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid level sensors comprise one or more acoustic sensors. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the waste management system is configured to deposit the fluids removed from the plurality of wells into a waste container. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the waste management system is configured to mix the fluids removed from the plurality of wells with bleach in the waste container and incubate the mixture. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the waste management system comprises one or more scales for determining an amount of fluids removed from the plurality of wells. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of contactless mixing devices comprises one or more orbital shakers. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , comprising scanning a barcode on the sample containers to identify the samples.